AN 



rv ^? 



iP kl iE b b 



DELIVERED ON THE CENTENNIAL 
CELEBRATION, 

TO THIS PSOPI.E or nOI.I.IS> ET. H, 
SEPTEMBER 15th, 1830. 

BY THE 



RET. GE.ANT POWEHS, 

H 



OF GOSHEN, CONNECTICUT. 



DUNSTABLE, N. H. 

PRINTED BY THAYER & WIGGIN 



( 



.?t^2 



September I5th, 1830. 

REV. GRANT POWERS, 2548 f 

Dear Sir — We herewith communicate to you a copy of the proceedings of 
a meeting of the citizens of HoUis, in relation to your Centennial Discourse. Be assured 
your kindness and labors upon this interesting occasion are duly appreciated, and will be long 
and gratefully remembered. 

With sentiments of respect and esteena, we are, dear Sir, 

your friends and obedient Servants, 

BENJAMIN M. FARLEY,) 
BENJAMIN POOL, V Committee. 

JESSE WORCESTER, > 

' At a meeting of tho citizens of Hollis, held at the Meeting House, September 15, 1830, 
Chose BENJAMIN M. FARLEY, Esq. Chairman. 

EDWARD EMERSON, Secretary. 

Voted, that Benjamin M. Farley, Esq., Hon. Benjamin Pool, and Jesse Wor- 
CKSTER, Esq., be a Committee to present the thanks of this meeting to the Rev. GRANT 
POWERS, for his ingenious, elaborate and interesting discourse, this day delivered, and 
request of him a copy for the press, 

E. EMERSON, Secretary. 

Gentlemen, 

As the organ of this townj you have honoured me with a request for a copy of my 
Address as a preliminary step to its appearing before the public from the press. I cheerful- 
ly leave it at your discretion, with no other apology, than barely to allude lo the embarrass- 
ments, I he author experienced from ill health, during the time, which was afforded him for 
tho preparation. 

With sentiments of esteem and high respect, 

1 subscribe yours. 



Benjamin M. Farley, Esq..) ^ 

Hon. Benjamin Pool, V F.r.lii ** 

Jesse Worcester, Esq. V ®""' T«'*"- 

Hollit, Sept. l$th, 1830. ' • ' " 



GRANT POWERS. 






ADDRESS. 



A wilderness of unmeasured extent is a sublime object. 
This world affords but one other of equal sublimity, it is 
an ocean untraversed. Each presents to the mind a 
boundless expanse, an infinitude of parts, a variety unde- 
scribed, including objects of terror and dehght, of utiUty 
and harm. 

In view of each, the contemplative mind must be im- 
pressed with its own limited powers, as when it surveys 
the heavens, and if it resists not the demand of nature's 
God, it will feel the inspirations of the Almighty, and in 
the admiring language of the Royal Worshipper exclaim, 
Lord what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him ! 
or the son of man, that thou makest account of him. 

To every inhabitant of the Eastern Hemisphere in the 
15th Century, the Atlantic Ocean presented an illimita- 
ble expanse, on the surface of which the adventurous 
thought could travel forever, without meeting with other 
bounds than those, which were created by a conscious- 
ness of its own incapacity to limit immensity ! Dark and 
unfathomable was its bed, and he was pronounced pre- 
sumptuous, if not impious, who dared to raise the bold 
inquiry — on what does the setting sun dispense his rays ? 
And that must be a mental phenomenon, characterized 



by the morally sublime, a sublimity commensurate with 
the greatness of the object in nature, which in such cir- 
cumstances, proposed for itself to relinquish its hold on 
terra Jirma^ and launch away, to explore the mysteries of 
the West. This phenomenon was exhibited by Christo- 
pher Columbus, a native of Genoa, in the year 1492, 
vhen he stejnjed from the soil of Spain upon the deck of 
a small and sea-v. orn ship, to traverse an unknown Ocean, 
and to explore the length and breadth of Terra Incognita. 
It seems to fall to the office of the imagination to con- 
ceive, rather than to the power of utterance to express, 
the solicitude of Columbus, amidst mutinies, and inces- 
sant labours and night-watching, from the 3d of August 
to the 11th of October, when the exclamation — Land ! 
Land ! was for the first time made in view of this nevvdy 
discovered world ! Proportionally with the previous fears 
and discontents of his crew, arose their transports of joy, 
on beholding a country so dissimilar to their own, yet 
enchantingly luxuriant and beautiful. They united in a 
hymn of praise to the Lord of the Universe, and falling 
on their linees before Columbus, confessed the wrongs 
they had committed. 

This was, unquestionably, an enterprise at that time, 
without a parallel in the history of the v,'orld ; whether 
we contemplate the boldness of the design, the fortitude 
and perseverance of the adventurer, or the results of his 
discoveries. And was it not for a single event, which oc- 
curred on the shore of New-England, one hundred and 
twenty ei^^ht years from the first voyage of Columbus, I 
should despair of exhibiting to your mental vision, a scene 
so grand, so inspiring, among human actions, as the dis- 
covery and possession of this Western Hemisphere by 
Columbus ! 

But as much as I admire the character and deeds of 
Coiombus, I must think them both eclipsed by the little 
band of Pilgrims, which first consecrated the soil of Ply- 
mouth to the worship of the true God, and to civil and 



relioious liberty. Columbus was himself an experienced 
Navioator ; he had three small ships under his command ; 
ninety men, and ample provisions for a year. He sailed 
under the patronage of the sovereigns of Spain 5 he could 
retrace his way at his pleasure, and if he was successful 
in his enterprise, he looked for rewards and honors to 
crown himself and his posterity ! Not so with the Ply- 
mouth Colony. They left their native country while it 
was frowning on their path. They fled from persecutions, 
and meditated no return ! And when the shores of Eng- 
land, the spires of their Churches, and the cloud-capped 
summits of their hills, retired successively from their view , 
they said, Fareivell England ,♦ farewell, the Church of 
God in England ! and all Christian friends there* 

They could obtain no grant from the crown of Eng- 
land, nor the least assurance that they might enjoy either 
civil or religious liberty in the wilds of America! I'hey 
had one solitary crazy ship to waft them over the yet un- 
frequented Ocean of the West, and a treacherous Cap- 
tain, who, for a bribe, landed them upon the inhospitable 
shore of Plymouth, late in the season, instead of bringing 
thenij agreeably to his contract, to the more genial ch- 
mate, and productive soil of New- York. Here were 
twenty four heads of families ; seventeen single men, and 
sixty children and domestics, making an aggregate of 101 
persons. Their provisions were scanty, and injured by 
the salt water ; their clothing was insufficient for the rig- 
ours of a northern winter, and they were without a shel- 
ter from the storm ! And now I solicit those who 
are parents to take the place of our forefathers at this 
eventful moment. After a perilous and tardy voyage of 
more than two months, you discover land, but it is not 
Manhadoes, or New- York ; it is an unknown region at 
the north, and the cruel treachery of your Captain is no 
longer concealed. But here you must land, and encoun- 
ter all the calamities of want and cold for a long and drea- 
ry winter. 

*Histo]7 of New-England. 



6 

I imagine that I see you stand on that lone, frail deck, 
viewing the appalhng scene before you. A wilderness 
unmeasured, unbroken, more than fills all your vision. — 
The dense trees of the forest, whose tops tower on high, 
and cast their sombrous shade upon the deep, and through 
whose branches the storms of November howl tremen- 
dously, seem to challenge you as their invaders, and to 
defy your boldest thoughts ! The waves from the Main 
run high, and clash and break up these wild shores in 
sounds, which speak to your ears an eternal war of ele- 
ments ! The sea fow Is, perched upon the cliffs of the 
impending rocks, scream to their fellows, and strange 
sights of human form are seen, running from tree to tree, 
with revengeful aspect, and weapons of murderous im- 
port. The strangeness of the scene has brought your 
children on deck, and the shivering group around you say 
— "• Father, is this our home," and are you still firm ? 
and with the presentiment that this shore is to become the 
tomb of nearly one half of your number the present win- 
ter, are you still firm ? Do I hear you say to these quak- 
ing innocents — " Yes children, this is our home. Here 
we will live, and here die on freedom's soil ! Here we 
will teach you to love and worship God agreeably to his 
word, and the dictate of your conscience ; and when we 
die, we will bequeath you the rights of men, and leave it 
in solemn charge, that you transmit them unimpaired to 
your posterity ?" Do I see and hear this ? Then the 
scene of our forefathers is mentally before me, when they 
stepped upon the Plymouth Rock, and I witness a 
moral heroism, which this world has exhibited but once, 
and the like it will never exhibit again ! an enterprise, 
which for principle, fortitude, and greatness of design, 
was never surpassed by human deed ! 

It would be gratifying to notice in this connexion the 
peculiarities in the history of this infant colony, and ex- 
hibit some of the tokens of Divine favour upon it during 
the first years of its existence ; but I am admonished that 



time would fail me in doing more than barely to allude to 
some events, which will suggest the progress of our fore- 
fathers in the settlement of this Country, until the stand- 
ard of culture and civilization was planted in this town, 
an event which is to come under distinct consideration at 
this time. 

It appears, that notwithstanding the hardships and loss- 
es sustained by the Plymouth company during the first 
two years of their residence in the country, (and they had 
buried forty six of their number in less than four months 
from their landing in Plymouth) their simple continuance 
had inspired others in England with a resolution to plant 
themselves in America, and in little more than two years 
from the first possession of Plymouth in Dec. 22d, 1620, 
Edward and William Hilton from London, came over and 
established a settlement at Dover in this State, in the 
spring of 1623.* 

In 1629, the Charter of Massachusetts Bay was grant- 
ed, and Salem, Charlestown, Boston, Dorchester and 
other places, were planted with the tree of civil and re- 
ligious liberty in rapid succession.! This same year John 
Wheelwright and others of Massachusetts, meditating a 
settlement in the neighbourhood of the Piscataqua River, 
assembled a council of the Indians at Exeter, and by pur- 
chase, obtained a Deed, signed by four Sagamores, of all 
the territory lying between the Rivers, Piscataqua and 
Merrimack, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the East ; 
on the South, by the Merrimack to Pautucket Falls, be- 
tween Chelmsford and Dracut ; thence by a line N. W. 
twenty miles, passing through Litchfield, Hampshire, 
Dunstable and Merrimack, to Amherst plain ; thence by 
a line running N. E. to the Piscataqua River, passing 
through Amoskeag Falls on the Merrimack, Chester, 
Nottingham, Barrington, and Rochester ; Thence down 
the Piscataqua to the Ocean.| 

*Belknap'8 History of New-Hampshire. 

t Morse's Geographj. 

J Belknap. 



8 

This contract, so amicably and honorably entered into, 
was scrupulously regarded by the Indians for the period 
of nearly fifty years, nor do I find a single murder com- 
mitted by them, within these limits during all this time ; 
bat the English were permitted to extend their plantations, 
and to cultivate their fields without fear or molestation ; 
and with the exception of a short, but exterminating war 
with the Pequots, a powerful tribe in the South East 
part of Connecticut, in the year 1637,* peace was main- 
tained generally with the tribes in New-England. But 
it may deserve a passing remark in this place, that the 
New-Hampshire settlers were not at this period distin- 
guished for their agricultural pursuits. Their principal 
attention was given to lumber, the fur trade, and to the 
fisheries. For ten years from the settlement of the Colo- 
ny, their bread was brought from England in meal, or 
iiorn Virginia in grain, and sent to a wind-mill in Boston, 
to be ground. t 

But in 1675, the Colony of New-Hampshire, in com- 
mon vv^ith the other Colonies of New-England, was arous- 
ed from her state of repose so long enjoyed, and she en- 
tered into the horrors of an Indian war, which continued 
three years. | This was denominated Philip^s ivar, on 
account of a distinguished Chief of that name, who resid- 
ed within the present limits of the State of Rhode-Island, 
and was thought to be the principal instigator of it. This 
sagacious Chief foresaw the total extinction of the Indi- 
ans in New-England by the growing power of the Eng- 
lish, unless a fatal blow was seasonably given to it ; and 
he conceived the bold design of giving it. The plan was 
conceived and matured in his own breast, and it included^ 
a union of all tribes in New-England, and some think of 
all in the United States, and in Canada, to make a simul- 
taneous effort to exterminate the English, and reoccupy 

* Marshall's Life of Washington. 

t Belknap. 

j'; History of New-England. 



9 

their grounds. The league was extensively formed ; and 
in such secrecy that the Colonies were unapprized of thef 
gathering storm, until it burst upon them. Plymouth and 
Massachusetts Colonies were the first to feel the perfidy 
and fury of the Indians, but New-Hampshire soon drank 
of the same bitter cup, and the towns upon the banks of 
Piscataqua River were in constant terror. Men, women 
and children were murdered, and others hurried into cap- 
tivity. Their houses were burned, and their flocks were 
destroyed. But Phihp himself falling in the war he had 
waged, most of his tribe being annihilated, and the league 
being broken, peace was restored in 1678. But this sea- 
son of tranquility continued no more than ten years. 

In 1688, the Indians and French commenced hostilities 
on our Eastern frontier, and for the space of eleven years, 
the same tragic scenes were again exhibited, which were 
acted in the war of Philip ; Portsmouth and Dover suf- 
fering in a special degree.* Peace was declared in 1699, 
but hostilities were renewed in 1703, and were prosecut- 
ed with unrelenting severity another ten years. From 
1713, to 1722, a tolerable degree of tranquility prevailed ; 
and then succeeded the memorable conflict of three years, 
denominated LovelPs ivar, on account of the brilliant 
achievements of Capt. John Lovell of Dunstable, N. H, 
who, in 1725, raised a volunteer company of 46, in his 
own town, penetrated to the Head- Quarters of the Indian 
settlements at Pigwacket, and fought the battle in which 
he fell ; but he fell so mightily^ that he forever liberated 
that eastern section of our State from Indian invasion, 
and procured a peace.f Fifty years had now passed away 
from the commencement of Philip's war, twenty-seven of 
which were consumed in actual hostilities, and twenty- 
three in fearful forebodings. This state of things had 
greatly retarded the settlement of New-Hampshire, and 
in 1702, there were no more than 10,000 inhabitants in the 

•New-Hampshire Gazetteer, 
t Belknap. a1 



10 

whole Province, seven incorporated towns, and four or- 
dained Ministers.* But at the close of Lovell's war, with 
the prospect of a more durable peace, adventurers from 
Massachusetts and our own sea-coast, began to multiply 
and extend their settlements in the interior, and to this 
period are we to look for the settlement of this town. 

Peter Powers, born at Littleton, Mass. 1707, and Anna 
Keyes, born at Chelmsford, Mass. 1708, being united in 
wedlock in 1728,i moved to Hampshire, Dunstable, the 
same year, three years after LoveWs Fight, while the in- 
fant settlement were yet mourning the loss of their distin- 
guished Hero, and yet relating with melancholy satisfac- 
tion his deeds of valor to their listening children, during 
each long, and successive winter evening. 

Mr. Powers, not considering himself permanently loca- 
ted in Dunstable, penetrated the forest of JSfissitissit, now 
Hollis, in the fall of 1730, one hundred years ago, and 
fixed on this place as his future residence. He came with 
his family, his wife and two children, in January 1731, 
and pitched his tent in sight of this long consecrated spot, 
the vestiges of that first tent remaining still visible a little 
South West of the dwelling house of Thomas Cummings. 

We may here pause and reflect for a moment on the 
condition of this pioneer family, and sympathize with them 
in their circumstances. 

. Mr. Powers was under the age of 23 years, and Anna, 
his wife'less than 22 years. They had two infant child- 
ren the objects of their love, and solicitude. We see them 
perched upon these snows untracked, except by the foot- 
steps of savage men, or beasts of prey ! They are seclud- 
ed from the civilized world, in the bosom of a dense forest, 
and their nearest neighbor could not be visited in a less 
travelling distance than ten miles ! The Nashua rolled 
its dark tide between them and their neighbor, and at two 
periods of the year only, when bound in fetters of ice, or 
in times of extreme drought, could they cross it, without 
availing themselves of the power and skill of an old, and 
well trained beast of the Narraganset blood, that at all 

* New-Hampshire Gazetteer. 

t Records of the town of Chelmsford, Mass. 



11 

times disdained its proud waters, and whose brawny limbs 
would cause it to boil like a seething pot, or caldron ! — 
Thus secluded by all that is wild and grand in a deep for- 
est, the solitude itself is impressive, and when it is occa- 
sionally broken by the scream of an eagle, the howl of a 
beast, or the yell of a savage, it becomes mvful. Think, 
too, that this youthful pair were familiar with all the fero- 
cious cruelties of an Indian war ! Their ears had heard the 
melancholy story from those in the habiliments of mourn- 
ing ; and their eyes had seen the blood-stained hearth, and 
threshold, of the once peaceful and happy, but now de- 
serted dwelling. We must suppose them possessed of the 
reflection, that if upon any pretence, hostilities were re- 
newed, they must stand the first in sacrifice, and none 
would remain to record the tragic scene ! And in such 
circumstances, would not the horrid spectres of death in 
all their terrifying forms, pass in vision before them, at 
lying down and rising up, in the house and in the field ? 
Ah, happy are their sons, (I would they knew how happy,) 
who have entered into their labours ; and happy are their 
daughters, who dwell securely ! 

In the summer of 1732, Elcazer Flagg came into this 
town, and located himself in the South West part of it, 
on or near the place now owned and improved by his de- 
scendant, Capt. Reuben Flagg. The house of Mr. Flagg 
was subsequently improved as a guard house, and was 
fortified against an attack from the Indians. ' The sclme 
season 1732, March 9th, Anna powers was born to Peter 
and Anna Powers, and was the first English child born in 
the town. She married Benj. Hopkins, Esq. of Milford, 
N. H, and died at an advanced age. Thomas Dinsmore, 
who was the third family in the settlement, came in and 
located himself on the place now owned and occupied by 
Amos Eastman, Esq. and in 1736, the little colony was 
augmented to the number of nine families. From 1731 
to 1739, we have nothing special in the lustory of the in- 
fant settlement to record, unless we were to relate some of 
the adventures of individuals, which would illustrate in 
an eminent degree, the bold and enterprizing spirit of our 
fathers and mothers, and grand parents, from whose lips 



12 

we have received them ; and although they would amuse 
and instruct, and in some cases, excite our admiration, yet 
on this occasion, they must give place to the more grave, 
and important events. I have not been able to learn from 
any authentic source, whether this settlement suffered in 
common with other parts of New-England, from that des- 
olating scourge denominated the Throat Distemper^ 
which first appeared in Kingston, in May 1735, and swept 
through the colonies, as the angel of Death passed through 
Egypt. But I infer from the silence of our fathers 
upon this subject, that the blood of the passover was 
seen upon the side posts of their doors, and that it became 
their defence from the Destroyer. This Epidemic was so 
malignant in its character, and remaining without a par- 
allel in this country for its mortality, it deserves a brief 
notice in this place. Of the first 40, who were seized by 
it in Kingston, not one survived ; and in 14 months, that 
small town had buried 113. Durham had buried 100. — 
Exeter 127 ; Dover 88 ; Portsmouth 99. On the East 
side of the Piscataqua River, in Kittery \22 ; and at 
Hampton-Falls 210. In the last named town, 20 
famiUes buried all their children. 27 persons were buri- 
ed out of five families, and more than one sixth part of the 
whole population died. New-Hampshire lost by this vis- 
itation 1000 persons, 900 of whom were under 20 years of 
age.* And when we consider that at this period the Col- 
ony had but 15 towns, we shall see nearly every family 
<5lad in mourning ; all countenances sad, and all eyes red 
with weeping ! It may be said in the solemn style of ho- 
ly writ— In New- Hampshire was there a voice heard, la- 
mentation and weeping and great mourning; mothers 
meeping for their children, and tvould not be comforted, 
because they were not. But New-Hampshire was not 
made the solitary example of the divine displeasure.f In 
Byfield, Mass. 104 were numbered with the dead. One 
family buried eight children, four of whom were laid in the 
same grave in one dreadful moment. At Boston 114 di- 
ed, and 4000 were sick with the disease. It extended its 

* Belknap. 

I IJistory of New-Kngland. 



13 

ravages as far South as the Carolinas, but in no place was 
it so destructive of hfe as in this Colony/* 

From 1739, we begin to avail ourselves of the Records 
of this settlement. Holhs was originally included in the 
Grant of Old Dunstable, and belonged to Massachusetts 
as was supposed. The number of settlers at this time, 
amounting to about 20, they petitioned the General Court 
of Massachusetts, to be made a Parish, or Precinct, to 
enable them in a corporate capacity, to regulate their own 
ecclesiastical concerns. Accordingly, a grant vv'as ob- 
tained, bearing date Dec. £8, 1739, which constituted the 
Territory, lying between the Nashua and Souhegan Riv- 
ers, on the South and North, and six miles East from the 
line, which divides between Pepperell and Tovvosend, a 
Parisli, to be known by the name of West Precinct, in 
D unstable.! The first Parish meeting was legally warn- 
ed and holden on the 22d of January 1740, at the house 
of Lieut. Benjamin Farley, Inn-Keeper, situated about 
60 rods West of the present dwelhng of Dr. William Hale. 

At this meeting Abraham Taylor was chosen Modera- 
tor and Clerk ; and Abraham Taylor, Peter Powers and 
Benjamin Farley, were chosen Assessors and Prudential 
Committee of the Parish. On the 16th of Dec. of this 
year, 1740, the Society at a legal meeting, voted to erect 
a meeting-house, on Abraham Taylor's land, about 60 
rods Southerly from his dwelling-house, and to lay out a 
burying ground adjoining, one acre of land being a Deed 
of gift from the said Taylor to said Society. Mr. Taylor, 
who appears a prominent character in these incipient sta- 
ges of the Precinct, and who was its first Benefactor, came 
into the settlement at an early period ; and is supposed to 
have been the 4th or 5th location in the town. The vesti- 
ges of his residence may still be seen about 60 rods North- 
erly from the place which we now occupy. In 1741, a 
meeting-house was erected on this spot, and the ground 
has ever since been improved for sacred purposes. J This 

♦Weekly News Letter, published at Boston, April "29, 1736. 
t Becords of the town of'HoIlis. 

i The tradition of the town, which says, that the first meeting-house was huili near the 

place where the present house stands is incorrect, as the Records of the town will sliow. 

When the 2d house was to be erected, the 1st was removed a little to the East, and many of 
our fathers, who can remember that first house, aftsr its removal, supposed it had always stood 
there, but it was not so. It originally stood where this now stands. 



14 

ivas the year in which the boundary hne between Massa- 
chusetts and New-Hampshire, which had been a proUfic 
source of contention for ten years, was defined and estab- 
lished, and this part of Old Dunstable fell within the lim- 
its of New-Hampshire.* Our fathers improved the first 
opportunity to petition the General Court of New-Hamp- 
shire for an act of incorporation, making them a town, and 
their petition was granted by an act bearing date April 
20th, 174G. At the same time a town, called Monson, 
was created with corporate powers, composed of parts ol 
the several towns now called Amherst, Milford and Hol- 
lis. The South line of Monson came half way from the 
corner school house on the North, towards the residence 
of Thomas Patch. 

But prior to this the Rev. Daniel Emerson, born at 
Reading, Mass. May 2()th, 1716, and graduated at Har- 
vard College 1739, had received a call to take the Pasto- 
ral charge of the Church and Congregation in this place, 
and complying with the wishes of the infant Church and 
Society, he received ordination April 20, 1743. The thir- 
tieth family, Jonathan Lovejoy, moved into the town the 
day of the ordination. 

The first sermon, delivered to this people by that emi- 
nent servant of Christ, was preached from Acts 10, 29. — 
Therefore came I unto you ivithout gainsaying, as soon 
as I was sent for. I ask therefore for what intent ye have 
sent for me. 

On the 5th of June following Mr. Emerson's ordination, 
ihis Church celebrated the Lord's supper for the first 
Lime. It was a season peculiarly solemn and interesting 
\n itself, and was rendered far more so, by an affecting in- 
stance of mortality with one of their own number ! Mr. 
Abraham Taylor, who had been an efficient helper in pro- 
dding a house of worship, whose name holds a prominent 
)lace in all the offices of the Society, and who had been 
nstrumental in introducing Mr. Emerson into this town, 
leparted this life on Friday preceding the 5th of June, and 
vas buried on the day of the communion, thus exchang- 
ng the anticipated communion on earth, for one more 
)ure, and exalted in the Kingdom of the Redeemer.! 

* Belknap. 

t He gave the laad for the burying ground and was the first man buried in it. 



15 

In 1744, BIr. Emerson married Hannah, tlic dangliter 
of Rev. Joseph Emerson of Maiden, Mass. and tlic same 
year was rendered memorable by a renewal of hostilities be- 
tween France and England, which was a sure precursor 
of war in America between the French and Indians on 
the one hand, and the English Colonics en the other, — 
This war continued with a little abatement about fifteen 
years in America, and has been long denominated the Old 
French IF«r, to distinguish it from preceding wars, and 
the war of the Revolution, which succeeded it. In 17-lo, 
we find a vote of this town to rebuild a place for worship 
on the spot where we now stand, but as Jerusalem was re- 
builded in troublous times, so was the second house for 
God's worship to be erected in this place, for with great 
semblance of truth may it be said, " every one with one 
of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand, 
held a weapon." 

In 1746, the French and Indians assaulted the settle- 
ments and forts at Hinsdale and No. 4, now Charleston, 
in this State, and killed some and carried others into cap- 
tivity. The settlements at Boscawen and Concord suffer- 
ed in like manner, and so alarming was the prospect to 
the inhabitants of this town, that we find a public expres- 
sion of their fearful apprehensions, dated May 20th, 1746. 
" Voted to petition the General Court of Massachusett's 
Bay for some soldiers for a Guard for us, being in great 
danger of the enemy" !* We will give a moment's con- 
sideration to this document. It teaches us, that but 84 
years ago this present season, the inhabitants of this town 
were calling for aid of a neighboring State to protect them 
from the vengeful arm of a Savage foe ! And when wc 
reflect, that not an individual in the town, under 60 years 
of age, has ever had a rational thought of meeting an In- 
dian invader at his threshold, we exclaim — What hath 
God ivr ought ! 

In 1749, a treaty of peace was ratified between France 
and England, which suspended hostilities between them 
in Europe about five years, but this did not so readily al- 
lay the jealousies and animosities of the Indians in Amer- 
* Town Records. 



16 

ica, and it was believed in the Colonies, that the French 
in Canada, apprehending that war would soon break out 
again between their mother country and England, were 
secretly using their influence to prevent a reconciliation 
between the Indians and the Enii;hsh Colonies in America. 
Accordingly Charlestown was assaulted by the Indians 
after peace was known to exist in Europe ; Canterbury 
suffered some loss in 1752, and John Stark, who was Brig- 
adier General in the Army of the United States in the 
war of the Revolution, was taken captive with one other* 
while hunting on Baker's river, by a party of the St. 
Francis Tribe, and was carried into Canada to the head 
quarters of that Tribe. f These facts will show what appre- 
hensions must have prevailed with our ancesters, even, 
while they were said to be at peace. But in 1754, the 
anticipated war was renewed in Europe, and the contest 
v/as formally revived in America. In 1755, the New- 
Hampshire troops were called upon to aid in the capture 
of Ticondaroga and Crown Point, and a number of Hol- 
hs men went on that expedition. It was at this time Pe- 
ter Powers received his Commission of Captaincy under 
Col. Blanchard. It is given under the Hand and Seal at 
^rms, at Portsmouth, the 5th of June, in the 2Sth year 
of the Reign of His Majesty, King George the Second, 
Anno Domini, 1755 — signed Benning Wenticorth, as 
Governor of his Majesty's Province of New-Hampshire. 
Benjamin Abbot was commissioned his Lieutenant. In 
1755, the Rev. Mr. Emerson went out as Chaplain to 
Crown Point,! but how long he was absent from his 
Charge in this town, I have not been able to determine. 

But the fall of (Quebec into the hands of the English 
in 1759, and the consequent surrender of all the French 
possessions in Canada, in 1760, brought again the pros- 
pect of a settled tranquility in these Northern Colonies, 
and it was inexpressibly cheering to those who had so long 
borne the burden and heat of the day. For 15 long years 
the father had not cultivated his field in safety, nor had 
the mother committed her infant charge to rest, but with 
the most distressing apprehensions. And many of us can 

* Lieut. Amos Eastman, who died at Hollis, March 6, 1808, in his 89th year. 

t" Belknap. % Town Records. 



17 

remember with what ardor the veterans of that day would 
relate the achievements and successes of that war, even in 
old age, and when the thrillings of Patriotism seemed to 
threaten an immediate dissolution of their tremulous 
frames ! But notwithstanding these trials and losses New 
Hampshire was increasing in number and in ^vealth. — 
From 1702 to 1749, her population had risen from ten to 
thirty thousand ^ and from 1749 to 1760, they had in- 
creased to thirty-four thousand.* And in Hollis in I76O5 
there were 120 taxable persons. f Every thing was now 
animating to the view of the Colonies. They were exempt 
from fear of a lurking enemy ; their hardships had render- 
ed them bold and enterprising ! In marching to and from 
the theatre of war, they had become acquainted with the 
fertile parts of the interior of their country, and our young 
men pressed back with ardor to take possession of the wil- 
derness, and to convert it into a fruitful field ! The Gov- 
ernment of New Hampshire complied with their utmost 
wishes in this respect, and in 1761, not less than 78 towns 
were surveyed, and their limits established in the Connec- 
ticut valley. But in 1763, their bright visions of peace 
and prosperity were suddenly overcast. The New Hamp- 
shire Gazette of May 27, which contained the definitive 
treaty of peace between England and France, contained, 
also, the intentions of the British Ministry to quarter 
troops in America, and tax the people without their con- 
sent, for their support !J The Colonies at once under- 
stood the purport of this intelligence. It was to subju- 
gate them, and to make them vassals of the British Crown! 
It was no new idea ; It had been virtually argued and 
contested in a war of words, for nearly one century. But 
little did these Colonies think that this subject would be 
revived at such a moment as this. They had contribut- 
ed all their aid to the British nation during that long and 
distressing war. They had expended their best blood and 
treasure, and by their hearty co-operation, they had con- 
tributed to put the British nation in possession of a terri- 
tory, full twice the dimensions of all their possessions in 

* Marshall, and N. II. GazeUeer. t Town Records. 

t New Hampshire Gazetteer, and Belknap. 
B2 



18 

Europe ! And were they to be requited thus ? Must 
they, weary and exhausted, and panting for repose, bur- 
nish their arms anew, and gird them on, single handed, 
against their Mother Country, the most powerful nation 
in the world, or resign to her oppressive grasp their liber- 
ties, and their lives ? Alas, this was their dilemma ! — 
And never was there a more affecting exhibition of the 
Scripture truth, that a Mother may forget her sucking 
child ! And, my hearers, I feel a deep sympathy with our 
Fathers, the living and the dead, who by a mysterious 
Providence, were brought to realize a scene like that ! — 
And I feel grateful to their memories, when I reflect that 
they did not sell us, but preferred death to the inthrall- 
ment of their Sons and Daughters ! Oh, it is an honor 
to be the descendants of such men and women ! Let us 
embalm their memories in our choicest feelings ! But al- 
though the parts, which both England and America were 
to perform in case of extremity, were, doubtless, already 
determined upon by them respectively, yet neither of them 
were prepared to enter the contest without a breathing 
time. Twelve years passed away in strifes and melan- 
choly forebodings. Every day the storm gathered black- 
ness. 1'he elements above were greatly agitated ; the 
caverns beneath bellowed, and gave portentous signs that 
nature travailed to bring forth death ! An extract from a 
private letter of Governor Wentworth to a friend in Eng- 
land will serve to illustrate the state of feeling in New- 
Hampshire at that time. He says — " Our hemisphere 
threatens a hurricane. I have in vain strove, almost to 
death, to prevent it. If I can, at last, bring out of it, safe- 
ty to my country and honor to our Sovereign, my labors 
will be joyful. My heart is devoted to it, and you know 
its sincerity."* 

But while things were preparing for momentous results, 
Hollis sustained some changes which should receive a 
brief notice in this place. In 1767, that part of Hollis, 
lying East of Muddy Brook, Flint's Pond, and Fhnt's 
Brook, was taken from Dunstable and annexed to this 
town. In 1769, the town of Raby, now Brookline, was 

* Belknap in Note. 



19 

taken mostly from Hollis, and received an act of incorpo- 
ration. In 1770, the town of Monson, which has been de- 
scribed, was divided, and a part was annexed to Amherst, 
and a part to HolUs. Three years snbsequently to this, 
the farms lying East of the Nashua, and now owned by 
Messrs. Marshall, Read and Runnels, were annexed to 
Hollis.* In 1771, New Hampshire was organized into 
live Counties, Rockingham, Strafford, Hillsborough, 
Cheshire and Grafton, which received their names after 
the particular friends of the Governor in England. But 
110 Courts were held until 1773.t 

The time now drew near for the storm, which had been 
so long gathering, to burst upon the Colonies in America. 
And in 1775, when the News came that General Gage 
was marching British troops from Boston into the interior, 
New Hampshire was electrified ! She took up arms and 
flew to the assistance of her Brethren ! Twelve hundred 
of her sons instantly repaired to Charlestown and Cam- 
bridge, and seventy of them were contributed by Hollis. 
These marched under the command of Capt. Reuben 
Dow, a distinguished Patriot of the Revolution, whose 
love of Country and hatred of Tyranny became extinct 
only with the extinction of life. John Goss was his Lieu- 
tenant, and John Cummings was his Ensign. These 
were the very men, who helped compose the Provincial 
troops at Bunker Hill, on the ever memorable 17th of 
June, and who at the command of the brave John Stark 
of New Hampshire, and Col. William Prescott of Mass. 
twice shivered the British Phalanks to atoms, as they at- 
tempted to invade their feeble redoubt !f Capt. Dow left 
seven of his men dead on the field of action, viz — Nathan 
Blood, Jacob Boynton, Isaac Hobart, Phineas Nevins, 
Peter Poor, Thomas Wheat, and Ebenezer Youngman. 
Six were wounded, among whom was the Captain him- 
self, and he bore with him through life a painful memento 
of British violence. Caleb Eastman, of Hollis,|lost his 
life on the 2nd day after the Battle on Charleston heights, 
by the accidental discharge of a gun while on the parade. 
In December of 1775, Capt. Noah Worcester marched at 

* Town Records. t Belknap. J Marshall and Belknap. 



20 

the head of a company, about thirty of whom were HolHs 
men. Early in 1776, the State raised 2000 troops and 
sent them in three Regiments to New York, to be at the 
disposal of General Washington.* A goodly number of 
these were Hollis men. These under the Command of 
Brigadier General Sullivan, were ordered up the Hudson 
and down the Lakes into Canada, where they fell in with 
the infection of the Small pox, this being aggravated by a 
dysentery and a putrid fever, after they had retreated to 
Ticondaroga, it is computed that nearly one third of the 
New Hampshire Regiments died in this Campaign.f But 
how many of the troops from Hollis fell a sacrifice to these 
maladies we are not informed. In July of this same year, 
Capt. Daniel Emerson marched at the head of a, company 
to Ticondaroga 5 about half of his company were Holhs 
men ; and in August Capt. William Reed marched with 
a company to New- York, more than 20 of his men belong- 
ed to this town. In providing for the Campaign of 1777, 
and for the future exigences of the war. Congress propos- 
ed to raise 88 Battalions with enlistments for three years, 
or during the war, and that they should be apportioned to 
the ability of the respective States. It fell to New-Hamp- 
shire to raise three Battalions, J and to Hollis thirty men. 
This requisition was promptly complied with by this town, 
and they furnished thirty men annually until the close, or 
nearly the close of the war. Nor was this all ; there were 
repeated emergences, which called for more aid, and these 
calls were considered imperious and sacred ; and were met 
accordingly . Says a respected friend in a recent communi- 
cation to me, to whom I am indebted for many important 
facts exhibited in this ad dress. " Our quota of men for 
three years, or during the war, was thirty. And besides 
furnishing these and keeping their places good ; we were 
frequently called on for more, as I recollect to have gone 
three times myself, after the three years men marched, be- 
sides being at Ticondaroga in 1776, when fifteen years of 
age."§ In 1777, Capt. John Goss marched to Benning- 
ton with a company, and about 30 of his men were from 

* Town Records. j Belknap. 

t Marshall. § Jesse Worcester, Esq. 



21 

Hollis. New-Hampshire men, when they had arrived in 
camp were ordinarily embodied in the same Reiiiment, or 
Regiments, and their valor became proverbial. They 
were known by the name of " Stark's men," " Sullivan's 
men," and " Scammel's men." They were at Bunker- 
Hill, Bennington, Still-water, Saratoga, Germantown, 
Rhode-Island, and York-town. And whatever is inspir- 
ing in the events which have characterized those places in 
the American history — Hollis may justly consider herself 
as having contributed her full share to render these events 
resplendent and immortal ! From the surrender of Lord 
Cornwallis at Yorktown in the Autumn of 1781, active 
warfare between England and America terminated, but 
the regular troops were retained in camp until the treaty 
of peace was ratified in Sept. of 1783 ; when we were ac- 
knowledged by the Crown of England, an Independent 
nation, and the war-worn soldier, who had survived the 
perils of his Country, returned to enjoy the repose his val- 
or had purchased, in the embrace of friends, and to live 
in the grateful recollection of succeeding generations. 

New-Hampshire furnished during this war about 14,000 
men, of whom Hollis afl'orded not less than 250. Of the 
14,000 from this State, 4,000 died, either in battle, or by 
sickness ;* and of this number, Hollis sustained a share 
of 30. And in view of the facts thus exhibited, I am hap- 
py in the occasion, which allows me, while standing at the 
distance of nearly fifty years from the termination of this 
cruel war and while my eyes are permitted to behold the 
sparse remains of that generation, who inspired the world 
with admiration, to declare in the ears of their descendants, 
that their fathers were Patriots ! Not in words only ; 
not mere Mushroom defenders of then- country, prating 
and blustering in security ; but they were Patriots in evil 
times ! They had counted the cost of this struggle, and 
were prepared to give and receive hard blows ! and when 
in the field, they were David's men ; they were " men of 
might, and of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield 
and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, 
and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains." — 

* N. H. GazetJeer. 



ot> 



Think for one moment. This town contained at that pe- 
riod considerahle less than the present number of its pop- 
nlation. The ground was comparatively unsubdued.— 
The facihties for subduing it not half so great as at pres- 
ent. Commerce being annihihitedj and our sea ports 
blockaded by the fleets of the enemy, there was little 
market for a chance surplus of produce. There was 
scarcely a shilling in circulation, which would pass for its 
nominal value, and no one could set limits to its deprecia- 
tion ! Fields and farms were left unimproved by those 
in the service of their country, and others yielded but a 
stinted harvest, by reason of the interruptions, which hus- 
bandry sustained from frequent calls for minute men and 
volunteers to take the field in cases of emergency ! In 
the midst of these burdens and hardships, the small pox 
broke out in the town in 1779, supposed to be communi- 
cated by the enemy of our Country, and two houses were 
improved for hospitals, one of which was subsequently 
o\vned and occupied by Lemuel Wright, and the other 
by James Ridcout ; in the latter of which, there were 
more than 100 patients at one time. About 150 received 
inoculation, three of whom died ; and five others who took 
the infection by exposure died also. To these trials, we 
must add the fre([uent intelligence, that such of their 
neighbours had fallen in battle, or died by disease in the 
camp, and the people of the town must assemble, and ap- 
point others to fdl their places in the ranks of the army ! 
Family after family was added to the list of mourners, 
and when fathers and mothers saw their sons, obedient to 
the call of their country, gird themselves with the panoply 
of war, and set out for the field of action, they said, "fare- 
well." And when they looked after them until vision fail- 
ed, they again repeated " farewell our son !" These were 
the days which tried men's souls ! But our fathers did 
not faint ; and I love to repeat it — They were Patriots ! 
I woidd proclaim it over their ashes ! I would inscribe it 
upon their tomb-stones, that generations to come, may 
learn the price of their freedom, and be excited to emulate 
the deeds of their ancestors ! 



23 

From the termination of the v* ar, which secured us 
Preedom and Independence the civil liistory of this town is 
(lot characterized by any number of* incidents of an extra- 
ordinary feature. I will remark, however, that in 17 JK), 
about one mile in width was taken from the west side of 
Hollis, and annexed to Brookline, and in 179 1, the town 
of Milford was incorporated, taking a portion from TToliis 
on the North West, and from that period to the present, 
the limits of this town have remained unaltered.* In 
1793, the Rev. Mr. Emerson, who had been the Pastor 
of this Church and Congregation fifty years, and who had 
arrived to the age of 77, became anxious, as he felt the 
infirmities of age increasing upon him, to see his succes- 
sor in the sacred ofiice, stand up in his place, and minis- 
ter unto the flock, that at his death, the peoj)le might not 
be as sheep, which have no Shepherd. That so desirable 
an object might the more readily be obtained, he relin- 
quished one half of his annual salary, and cordially re- 
ceived into his desk, the candidate of the people's choice. 
At this time, the Rev. Eli Smith, born at Belchertown 
Sept. 1759, and graduated at Brown University in 1792, 
having received a call from this Church and people to take 
the charge of their Spiritual concerns as Colleague Pas- 
tor with Mr. Emerson, ^vas ordained on the 27th of Nov. 
1793 ; The ofiice of delivering the charge to the Pastor 
elect on that solemn and interesting occasion was as*>^ipfn- 
ed to Mr. Emerson by the ordaining Council, which ofuce 
he performed with great sensibility, and in the most affec- 
tionate manner If From this time Mr. Emerson filled up 
the remnant of his days in a retired, devotional frame of 
mind, evidently enjoying the blessedness of that Gospel, 
which he had preached to others, and came to the grave 
in peace, Sept. 30, 1801, "in a fuil age, like as a shock 
of corn Cometh, in his season," aged 85 years, having sus- 
tained his Pastoral relation with this Church and people 
somewhat more than 58 years, and survived all but one 
who constituted his original Charge. | His Consort lived 
to the advanced age of 90 years, and departed this life Feb. 

* ' wn Records. 

t - ' Nicholas French. t '^^ss. JMissionary Magazine, June 1S03. 



24 

28, 1812. In regard to this sainted woman I need only 
repeat the laconic eulogy of holy writ upon the demise of 
all the eminently godly in Christ — The memory of the just 
is blessed. Mr. Emerson was an Evangelical Minister of 
Christ. He preached the distinguishing doctrines of 
grace, and he was rendered the honoured instrument of 
turning many to righteousness, who will, we doubt not, 
become the seal of his ministry, and crown of rejoicing in 
the day of the Lord Jesus. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson were 
blessed with a numerous family. They had thirteen chil- 
dren, two of whom were graduated at Harvard College, 
and about 20 of their descendants have either graduated, 
been members of Colleges, or are now members. Dea. 
Daniel Emerson, whose memory lives, I trust in the re- 
collection of you all, was born Dec. 15, 1746, and spent 
his days in the place of his nativity, in the pursuits of hus- 
bandry and merchandize. He was not distinguished for 
a vivid imagination, or the brilliancy of his intellectual 
powers ; but he was a "good man" ! He was sober and 
discreet, and of excellent judgment. His habits of indus- 
try and economy afforded an example, that was a bless- 
ing to the town. 

He sustained the office of Magistrate in this town many 
years ; was repeatedly chosen to represent this town in 
le Legislature of the State, and at different periods was 
a member of the two higher branches of the State Gov- 
ernment, a Senator and Counsellor. He became amem- 
bvr of this Church at an early age, and sustained the of- 
fice of Deacon for many years. At his death which occur- 
red Oct. 4, 1820, he was an efficient member of the Bible 
Society of this State, and sustained a very responsible of- 
fice in it. His, also, was a Ministerial family. Three of 
his sons were graduates and entered the Ministry, and 
two of his daughters married Ministers. The Rev. Mr. 
Smith who has been your Pastor already 37 years, mar- 
ried Ama Emerson, the eldest daughter of Deacon Dan- 
iel Emerson, May 7th, 1794. She was born August 20, 
1769. Hannah Emerson married the Rev. Nathaniel 
Hall of Granville, N. Y. Thus we see how God keepeth 
covenant with his servants, and we hope it will endure io 
a thousand generations. 



25 

Capt. Peter Powers, who we have seen, was the first 
settler irt the town, died of a maUgnant fever, August 27th, 
1757, aged 50 years. Anna Powers, his widow died Sept. 
21, 1798, aged 90. Peter Powers, their eldest son, born 
at Dunstable, N. H, Nov. 29, 1728, graduated at Cam- 
bridge College 1758, and was a devoted Minister of the 
Gospel more than 40 years. He died at Deer Island in 
the year 1800, aged 72. The widow Hunt, who was 
the wife of Eleazer Flagg in her first marriage, and 
who was the second family in the town, died at the ad- 
vanced age of 95. Abraham Taylor, who, as we have 
seen, was another of the first adventurers, died at an early 
period of the settlement. The daughter of Mr. Taylor 
married Noah Worcester, Esq. whose memory is with us 
to-day, as one of the fathers of the town for a long series 
of years. He had an active and vigorous mind, was one 
of the framers of the Constitution of this State, sustained 
the office of Magistrate more than 40 years, and was a 
member of this Church more than 60 years. Mr. Wor- 
cester and wife had seven children born to them, and of 
their posterity 18 have either received the honors of Col- 
lege, or are now members of New-England Colleges. — 
Eight are, or have been. Ministers of the Gospel, and one 
an author of celebrity. And may I not be indulged in the 
reminiscence of one in this descent to whom the speaker 
is indebted for the first thought of a scientific course ; 
whose powers of intellect were of the very first order, and 
whose manly virtues and sincerity in friendship, endeared 
him to all of a kindred spirit. Jesse Worcester, Jun., 
was a rare youth. Conscious of his own powers, he aim- 
ed at great and noble ends ; and as the eagle of a longer 
wing, and a stronger muscle than his fellows, soars away 
towards heaven unconscious of the danger of travelling in 
unsubstantial ether until he falls a victim to his own ad-- 
venturous flight, so fell this youth in the ardor of literary 
pursuit. His bodily system was inadequate to sustain the 
intense operations of his intellectual powers, and he fell a 
sacrifice to his own mighty mind. Over his remains Ge- 
nius wept for a favorite son, and the world sustained a 
loss of which she was unconscious. 
C3. 



m 

It would be peculiarly gratifying to me thus to trace the 
origin and progress of families in this town to much great- 
er length, and exhibit the Noyeses, the Gumming ses, the 
Boyntons, Parleys, Pools, Jewetts, Hales, Conants, Nev- 
inses, Dows, Eastmans, Tenneys, and Burges, all worth- 
ies of former days ; but time would fail me altogether, 
and I must hasten to notice some distinguishing displays 
of divine mercy and grace exhibited upon this Church. 

It has been said, that Mr. Emerson was a successful 
Preacher of the Gospel. In proof of this, I would have 
you bear in mind the small beginnings of this Church. — 
There were but 29 families in the town at the organiza- 
tion of the Church, how many were members of it at that 
time, the records of the Church do not show, but the num- 
ber must have been small. In 1745, two years after his 
settlement, the number of males were eleven.* We are 
to consider, that the ordinary progress of dissolution 
among Church members, during a period of fifty years, 
must have removed very many ; very many removed their 
relations to other Churches, as settlements advanced to 
the West, and in the latter part of the half Century, many 
more would take letters of dismission, than would bring 
letters from other Churches, and yet there were about 
200 members in this Church, at the settlement of Mr. 
Smith in 1793. From 1793 to 1800 inclusive, more than 
one hundred had made a profession of religion. For four 
years from 1795, the still small voice of the Spirit was 
heard, and some from every class of society submitted joy- 
fully to his reign. 

In August of 1801, some special attention was again visi- 
ble. The Pastor and his Church, were greatly animated, 
and with trimmed lamps, they went out to receive the 
blessing of the Bridegroom ; and when he came in the 
chariot of his power, his blessings exceeded all their an- 
ticipations ! Within the space of twelve months, every 
part of the town was visited with the convincing, renew- 
ing, and sanctifying influence of the Comforter. Nearly 
every cavilling voice was either changed into that of love 
and admiring gratitude, or was hushed in wonder and as- 
tonishment ! Oh, who can recall those seasons, even at 

* Church Records. 



21 

this distance of time, without feeling something of that 
awful stillness and solemnity pervading him, which he then 
felt, as he approached the sanctuary, or the conference 
room ! Who can forget the love which animated so many 
Christian hearts, inspired their prayers, and enabled them 
to realize, that they were all members of one body ! How 
grateful to their ears was the sound of the footsteps of 
their beloved Pastor upon the threshold of the school- 
house, or of the Sanctuary, and with what readiness of 
heart did they receive his instructions ! This was a Pen- 
tecostal season, and the Church was seen coming up out 
of the wilderness, leaning upon the arm of her beloved. 
And my Christian friends, when we recall these things, 
can we not adopt the plaintive, yet emphatic language 
of pious Job — " Oh that I were as in months past, as in 
the days when God preserved me ; when his candle shin- 
ed upon my head, and when by his light, I walked through 
darkness."! The fruits of this revival, which continued 
to the Autumn of 1802, were 142, who made a profession 
of religion, and united with this Church, a greater part 
of whom were heads of families ; about thirty more enter- 
tained a hope, that they had passed from death unto life, 
but who in May 10, 1803, had not made a profession of 
religion.* At several subsequent periods, this town has 
experienced refreshing showers of divine grace, and by a 
communication from the Reverend Mr. Smith, bearing 
date Aug. 24, 1830, I am informed, that about 450, have 
professed to have experienced religion during his Ministry. 
About 420 have united with this Church, and some re- 
main without, but give evidence of piety. This is a great- 
er increase than is imparted to most Churches, and so far 
as they have walked worthily they are the best Epistle of 
commendation of him, who has administered to them in 
holy things. There are now four males and fifteen fe- 
males, members of the Church, who were members in 1793. 
In the summer of 1804, the present meeting house was 
erected on the spot, which had been consecrated to that 
use in fear and much trembling by our ancestors so early 
as 1741 ; and here I hope and trust, the Lord, the Most 
*Mass. Miss. Magaziine, June 1803. 



High God, has condescended to record his name, and that 
it will be said of this house in the great day of accounts, 
^' This man and that man was born there." 

In regard to the healthfulness of this town, I have a 
few statistics, which may be interesting. From 1793 to 
1818, a period of 25 years, there were 567 deaths.* — 
From 182^, to 1830, there were 169. The aggregate of 
which is for thirty three years, 736. The number of in- 
habitants in this town has not varied much from 1550, for 
thirty years, and this will show that one in 70, dies annu- 
ally, and that the average number of deaths is a fraction 
more than 22, annually. There has been an estimate, 
that one in nine persons has lived to 80 years of age. I 
have not been able to exhibit the number of marriages, 
births or baptisms in any given period of time, as the Re^ 
cords both of the town and Church are deficient in these 
respects. There have been two persons belonging to this 
town, who attained to the advanced age of 104 years 5 
Mrs. Elizabeth French, who died in 1749, and Mrs. Ul- 
rick, who died in 1789. Three have attained to 95 ; and 
six to between 90 and 95. There are two individuals now 
Jiving, who are the remains of a former generation, and 
/stand like some ancient forest tree in an open field, to 
mark the spot where thousands of their cotemporaries fell. 
Capt, Caleb Farley, will have attained 100 years, when a 
kind Providence has added 45 days to his already pro- 
tracted, but vigorous life ! Mrs. Elizabeth Hale will 
have lived 98 years, should she reach the goal on the 17th 
of Feb. 1831. May the termination of life with each of 
them be peace, and the reward of a valuable life be glori- 
ous. There are now 70 persons over 70 years of age in 
this town, and 21 of these are over 80 years. Hollis has 
sustained the loss of 31 persons out of the ordinary course 
of nature. Four have died by violence. Israel Wilkins 
was killed by his son in a paroxism of anger in 1771. — 
Grant Powers, son of Francis Powers, was murdered at 
Crown Point, during the Revolutionary War. And Mrs. 
Hannah Kendrick and her daughter Hannah, were killed 
by John P. liendrick in a fit of derangement. May 22^ 
* Farmer's Gazetteer of New-Hampshire. 



29 

1805. He was the only surviving son of Mrs. Kendrick, 
and only brother of his sister Hannah. He died in June 
1805, and was deposited by the side of those, who had 
fallen victims to his insanity. Five persons have commit- 
ted suicide, ali of whom, I believe, were labouring under 
a partial derangement. Two have been killed by light- 
ning ! pour by the fall of trees ; two by freezing ; seven 
by drowning ; three by falling from a horse ; one by fall- 
ing under a sled 5 one by a wagon- wheel passing over him ; 
and two by guns. Lieut. Ralph Emerson was killed by 
the accidental discharge of a cannon on the parade in front 
of this house, and Benjamin Hudson by the bursting of a 
gun. Fourteen houses have been consumed by fire, one 
of them, Mr. Ebenezer Jewett's, was destroyed by light- 
ning whilst the inmates of the dwelling were preserved, ap- 
parently, by a miracle. 

Thus it appears, that the inhabitants of this town have 
not been exempt from the calamities, which are incident 
to this mortal state ; but in some important respects, they 
have been signally blessed. You have ever enjoyed an 
Evangelical Ministry. You have buried but one Pastor 
in 87 years, the whole period of the Gospel ministry with 
you ; and to the present time, you have had your second 
Minister. You have in this time reared and settled 26 
Ministers, viz : Peter Powers, Josiah Goodhue, Henry 
Cummings, Noah Worcester, Leonard Worcester, Thom- 
as Worcester, Samuel Worcester, Joseph Emerson, Dan- 
iel Emerson, Ralph Emerson, Samuel Ambrose, Joseph 
Wheat, Abel Farley, Stephen Farley, David Smith, 
Mighill Blood, Caleb J. Tenney, David Jewett, Eli 
Smith, Fifield Holt, Grant Powers, Daniel Kendrick, 
Solomon Hardy, William P. Kendrick, Eli Sawtel and 
Jacob Hardy. You have, or have had, four licentiate 
preachers not ordained, Joseph Emerson, Josiah Burge, 
Leonard Jewett and Taylor G. Worcester, in all — 
THIRTY Preachers of the Gospel, and thirteen of your 
daughters have married Clergymen. You have had sev- 
en Graduates, who have not entered as yet either of the 
learned Professions. Joseph E. Worcester, who has be- 
come an author of celebrity, Jonathan Eastman, John 



30 

Proctor, Henry A. Worcester, Benjamin Emerson, Jo- 
seph Emerson, and Samuel T. Worcester. You have 
four who are now members of College. Benj. F. Farley, 
Frederick A. Worcester, Henry Sanderson and David 
Worcester. You have raised eight Counsellors, and At- 
torneys at Law. Benjamin M. Farley, George F. Far- 
ley, Nehemiah Hardy, William Tenney, Luke Eastman, 
Abel Conant, Luther Smith and Jonathan Sanderson. — 
Eleven of your sons have become Physicians — Abijah 
Wright, Peter Emerson, Samuel Emerson, William 
Hale, Jonathan Hale, Benjamin Burge, Luther Farley, 
Joseph F. Eastman, Noah Hardy, Joseph Boynton and 
Luke Lawrence. Fifteen have sustained the office of 
Deacon in this Church — William Cummings, Thomas 
Patch, Francis Worcester, Enoch Noyes, John Boynton, 
Stephen Jewett, Daniel Emerson, Josiah Conant, Abel 
Conant, Ephraim Burge, Stephen Jewett, 2d, Benoni 
Cutter, Thomas Farley, Enos Hardy, and Philip Wood. 
14 have sustained the office of Magistrate in this town — 
Samuel Cummings, Sam'l Hobart, Sam'l Cummings 2d, 
Benjamin Whiting, Richard C. Shannon, Noah Worces- 
ter, Daniel Emerson, 2d, Benjamin Poole, Amos East- 
man, William Ames, Benjamin M. Farley, Nathan Thay- 
er, Joseph Greeley, and Benoni G. Cutter. — I have not 
been able to avail myself of any record, showing who have 
held commissions in the Military department of the town ; 
and must decline making a partial exhibit. 

I have thus brought to view some of the principal inci- 
dents and facts in the history of this town for one Century 
from its commencement. The reminiscence of these 
things is suited to produce in us a melancholy pleasure. 
On the one hand, we recognize the superintending care of 
a beneficent Providence, and his abounding grace ! and 
on the other, when we look around for our Parents, and 
Grand Parents, we are reminded of the fleetness of time, 
and of the frailty "of man ! How surprizing the change, 
which one hundred years have wrought in this town ! — 
Suppose the first settler of this town, who lies in this bu- 
rying ground, should arise from his bed of repose, and 
survey the country around him 5 suppose he should enter 



31 

this house, and look around on this assembly, and could 
you persuade him that he stood upon the ground of JS'issi- 
tissit ? that these were the descendants of his adventur- 
ous companions, and that he was addressed by his Grand 
Child ? He would be ready to exclaim — " all is impos- 
sible' ' ! It would seem to him but yesterday, that he ford- 
ed or swam the Nashua, and with his pack on his back, 
groped his passage through the dense underbrush, parting 
them with his hands to make him a way over this very 
spot, and looking cautiously on either hand for the lair 
of a beast, or the haunt of a Savage ! And should his in- 
credulity be finally overcome, with what devout admira- 
tion would he say — " Lord, thou makest all things new"! 
And who can estimate the labour, that was requisite to 
transform this wilderness into a fruitful field, as we behold 
it this day ? Consider, every tree was to be felled, and 
if the stump was left to itself it was to be felled again in 
some ten, or twenty years. Roots and stumps, and 
Rocks were to be removed. Every rod of fence to be 
made over and over again. Every road to be worked in 
the same manner. Every bridge to be builded, every 
house, every barn, shed, shop and mill ; every school- 
house, and meeting-house, and all implements of husband- 
ry to be fabricated and kept in repair ! All these things 
were done, and the beasts of prey and savage men were 
driven from these bounds, long before we, who are among 
the middle aged, can date our existence ! and they were 
performed, too, in times of peril, and want, when our 
Mothers and Grand Mothers, left their Husbands and chil- 
dren, and rode to Andover, to Woburn and Chelmsford, 
to procure sustenance for their families, and returning, 
swam their horses over the Nashua in the stillness and 
darkness of night ! These things, which may seem al- 
most Apocryphal in the view of their descendants, were 
actually performed ! And they were performed, because 
God had prepared that generation for the work he assign- 
ed to them. They were bold, hardy, energetic and per- 
severing. The stateliest trees fell before the repeated 
blows of their axes, like windfalls before a tempest, and 
the brisk wheel hummed in their cabin the livelong day ! 



S2 

They were not only industrious, but they were frugal. — 
They brought their living within their means, and kept 
the great object of improvement in view. Says a corres- 
pondent, who can recollect distinctly somewhat more than 
GO years, and whose situation was as eligible as most of 
his cotemporaries,* " I was a stout lad before I had any 
thing like a surtout, or a great coat, and I never owned a 
hat worth more than a dollar, or wore any kind of boots 
until I had a family." He says concerning the article of 
food, " It was more thought of for my Parents to have 
Tea once a week for breakfast, than it now is for some 
famihes to have it three times a day. Spoon victuals was 
the principal support." 

It was about the year 1760, the first barrel of Rum was 
brought into the town. The rumour of its arrival was the 
cause of regret and alarm with the discerning and good 
people, and one Godly manf exclaimed, " If it has come 
to this, that a barrel of Rum is brought into this town, 
we are an undone people"! A prediction that has been 
verified, no doubt, in respect to hundreds of families, a 
sentence that is still worthy to be inscribed in letters of 
gold upon the posts of every man's door, upon the doors 
of the Sanctuary, and upon the lids of every man's Bible ! 

In respect to the means of instruction at that day, the 
same correspondent says — " I have no recollection of 
having been taught to read by any Female, unless it was 
my Mother or Grand Mother. I never heard a lesson 
given in English Grammar or Geography when I came 
into a Master's School, and in respect to Books, if we 
except the Bible ,• the spelling book, the Psalter and the 
Primer, were more than scholars generally possessed." — ' 
At this time, 1765, there was but one News paper print- 
ed in the State, The New-Hampshire Gazette, publish- 
ed at Portsmouth, and it is thought quite problematical, 
whether more than four of these were taken in the town. 
There were no periodicals except the Almanack. In 1770, 
there was neither Sleigh, Chaise, or Wagon of any de- 
scription in the town, but the saddle and the pillion were 

* Jesse Worcester, Esq. 

tThe uncle of the late Lieut. Solomon Wheat. 



35 

indispensibles for conveyance to and from meeting during 
the summer, for those who did not walk ; and in the win- 
ter, oxen and sleds were frequently improved for this pur- 
pose. — Now in view of these things, and when I reflect 
that our ancestors sustained these privations and hardships 
in order to transmit to us, their descendants, a goodly in- 
heritance, I feel inexpressibly indignant, when I hear the 
manners and customs of that generation made a subject 
for levity by those who are reaping the fruits of their in- 
dustry and frugality. 

It was not because they did not love their children 
that they did not give them modern advantages ; it 
was not because they did not know how to estimate mod- 
ern conveniences for themselves, that they did not possess 
them ; but it was because they could not do these things 
without sacrificing the greater for the less ! They consid- 
ered themselves as they actually were, the representatives 
of unborn generations ; they had a w ilderness to subdue, 
a nation of Savages to drive back, and the freedom of 
their descendants to purchase with their blood, and with 
every shilling they could control ; and how improvident 
would they have been, had they let go of those momen- 
tous concerns, and attempted to elevate their children 
above their true condition, and the condition of their suf- 
fering Country ! I must confess, that when I consider 
how well they improved the means they did enjoy ; how 
well they understood their Bibles, and their primers ; how 
they estimated the rights of men ; with what religious rev- 
erence they regarded the Sabbath and the Sanctuary, and 
with what promptitude they discharged their duty to one 
another, and to their Country, I look back on them with 
admiration, and I declare my solemn conviction when I 
say — The world never saw such a race of men but once ! 
And I am equally convinced, that the farther their descen- 
dants depart from the great and leading principles of their 
Ancestors, the greater will be their degeneracy, and the 
more speedy their ruin ! But I see that I am already an- 
ticipating the events of a second Century, events which the 
Providence of God alone can develop. And with me and 
you, it is a solemn moment. We are reminded, that we 
D4. 



34. 

are now the representatives of those who are to rise up af- 
ter us in our line for a century to come, as our fathers 
were our representatives a hundred years ago. As we 
have been influenced by the part which our fathers per- 
formed, so will generations yet unborn be affected by the 
part we shall perform, and how immense are our responsi- 
bilities ! We do not move without the destinies of men 
devolving upon us ! We need, all of us, divine teaching 
and sanctification, to enable us to act wisely and faithful- 
ly, in these relations ! We need to be praying men and 
praying women, as our Fathers and Mothers were, and to 
realize that here we have no continuing city ! And vvhile 
we stand by the ashes of our Parents and our Grand Pa- 
rents ; while we recall their prayers, and tears, and la- 
bours for our salvation. Oh, let us not disappoint the hope, 
that alleviated their sorrows in death ! Although the 
tongue is silent, which poured instruction into our infant 
minds, and the arm has withered, which bore us to the bap- 
tismal fount, yet we may believe, their faith in the atoning 
blood of Christ is recorded on high, and we may hope, that 
blessings are in reserve for their repentant offspring, and 
for all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our 
God shall call. With such obligations resting on us, and 
such gracious promises left on record for us, and our chil- 
dren, let us improve the opportunity to secure the pearl of 
great price, that is put into our hands, and not lose the 
blessing by delay ! 

And can we be otherwise than deeply impressed with the 
brevity of human life, while we stand amidst so many me- 
mentos of departed worth, and the voice of our fathers and 
of our mothers speaks to us from the grave, " Sons and 
Daughters, the time is short"! Another century gone, 
and where are we ? Where are our children ? Who 
will stand in this place, and address that unknown, that 
distant generation 7 Who shall open the book of Provi- 
dence, and rehearse the events of another century ? Alas, 
we are then dead ! and our children are dead ; and but 
few of us will transmit our memories to that distant day, 
and where. Oh where our spirits ? But whoever he shall 
be, that shall speak on that solemn and affecting occasion, 



35 

to him would I now reach forth the right hand of fellow- 
ship, if he comes in the name of Jesus, and Oh, that it 
may be his delightful service to speak to an entire assem- 
bly of holy men and holy women, and to adopt the lan- 
guage of the seventh angel in the Apocalypse, by announc- 
ing that the Kingdoms of this world are become the King- 
doms of our Loi'd and his Christ , and he shall reign for- 
ever and ever ! 

But I am unwilling to take my leave of this subjec».^ 
and of this numerous audience, until I have fixed your 
thoughts on that future moment^ when Centuries will cease 
to be numbered, and time to be measured. There is a lu- 
cid spot in the distant horizon of our hopes, and it is ex- 
hibited to us by the prospective part of God's holy word, 
a spot to which every e^e of faith is naturally turned for 
the personal interest w'lich it sees to centre there ! It is 
the hour of judgment : Yes, we are taught by unerrino- 
truth, that nature will cease to revolve, the world will ex- 
pire, and the dead, we, our ancestors, and our descendants, 
will awake -nto life, and stand before the effulgent throne 
of God ! For it is the language of an Apostle— that ive 
shall not all sleep, hut we shall all be changed ; In a mo- 
ment, pc the tivinkling of an eije, at the last trump ,• for 
the trumpet shall sound, ami the dead shall be raised in- 
corruptible, and we shall be changed ! But why this 
universal interest felt in the doctrine of the judgment ? It 
is for the greatest of all reasons ; — for it is again said — 
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 
that every one may receive the things done in his bodij, 
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or lad. 
No wonder that the contrite in heart should coii:empk;te 
tb-se truths, with a trimphant hope of a blessed iffimorial- 
iiy ! No wonder that the sinner should, in view of them, 
be filled with the deepest solicitude and dismay ! I i ow 
then, as an Ambassador for Christ, as one that cheriohes 
ju tender concern for your immortal interests, and as one 
should speak for the last time, / pray you i,i ChrisVs 
ftcead, be ye reconciled unto God. 



y^M<> 



